Need alternative NY unemployment phone numbers - 8124 always busy

Try the alternative claims center number: 888-209-8124. If that doesn't work, call their technical support line at 877-221-1634. For better chances, call exactly at 8:00AM when they open or between 6:30-7:00PM right before they close. The system is completely overloaded since they implemented the new claims verification process in February. Persistence is key - it took me 67 calls to finally get through last week.

Thanks! I've been trying the 888-209-8124 number too (that's the \

the 518-457-9000 worked 4 me. call right @ 8am sharp. not 8:01, not 7:59. EXACTLY at 8. have ur info ready

THANK YOU!!! I'll try the 518 number tomorrow exactly at 8am. Setting multiple alarms now. Did they ask for anything specific when you got through?

The whole system is RIGGED to make it impossible to get through!!! They DELIBERATELY make it hard because they don't want to pay out benefits!!! I spent THREE WEEKS calling HUNDREDS of times every day and when I finally got through the agent had the nerve to tell me I could have just uploaded my documents online instead!!! But the website never told me that!! They are INTENTIONALLY making it confusing!

I know right?? So frustrating! The system feels designed to make us give up. My cousin had the same experience last month, called for days and then found out he could've done everything online. Just ridiculous.

I work in adjacent services and have some insight. The main issue is the new identity verification system they implemented in March 2025 is causing massive backlogs. Here are some tips:\n\n1. Try these alternate numbers:\n - General Inquiries: 518-457-9000\n - Claims Processing: 888-783-1370\n - Special Claims Unit: 518-402-0189\n\n2. Call timing matters: Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30-11:30AM or 2:00-3:00PM tends to have slightly lower call volumes.\n\n3. Check your online account for any \

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I had no idea about the expedited review option. My claim has been pending for 13 days, so I'll request that tomorrow if I can't get through by phone. I'll try those alternate numbers too!

I was in the exact same situation last month - called hundreds of times and couldn't get through. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in 20 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when they have an agent. Saved my sanity! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

does that actually work?? never heard of it but might try if i cant get thru tmrw

Yeah it does work! I was skeptical at first but was desperate after 3 weeks of calling. My claim had an identity verification issue that was quick to resolve once I actually spoke to someone.

I discovered that if you select the Spanish option and then just speak English when an agent answers, you'll get through much faster! Most agents are bilingual anyway. Also, try calling from a different phone number if possible - some people think they track and deprioritize numbers that call repeatedly (though that might just be a conspiracy theory).

That's a clever hack with the Spanish option! I'll definitely try that if the other numbers don't work. And interesting point about using different phone numbers - I can try from my partner's phone too.

I'm stuck in the same situation right now! Been calling for days with no luck. The online system shows my claim is

\

UPDATE: I finally got through!! For anyone who finds this thread later, here's what worked: I called the 518-457-9000 number at EXACTLY 8:00am (set my alarm for 7:58), and selected option 2, then 1, then 4. I was on hold for about 40 minutes but actually spoke to a real person! The issue with my claim was a wage verification problem that they fixed in minutes. Thank you everyone for your help!!

Thanks for sharing what worked! I'm trying this exact method tomorrow morning!

im so glad u got it fixed!!! did u have to provide any extra documents? my claim is stuck for similar reasons i think

No extra documents needed in my case! They had my wage info from my employer but there was a discrepancy in how it was entered. The agent just corrected it in their system. But she said if there had been a bigger issue, I might have needed to upload pay stubs or W2s. Worth having those ready just in case!